Vintage jukeboxes in Naas auction

In the era of digital downloading of music, jukeboxes, which allowed patrons of bars and cafés to select their own music, seem like relics of a very distant age. The coin-operated machines were especially popular during the 1950s in the US and were exported worldwide. Among the leading makers were the Chicago-based Seeburg Corporation and Cincinnati-based Wurlitzer.

Jukeboxes are much sought after by collectors of 20th-century design and make attractive trophy pieces. A private collection of 11 jukeboxes dating from the 1930s to the 1950s will go under the hammer on Tuesday at 2pm in the recently opened Ashford Auction Rooms in Naas, Co Kildare. Viewing from noon today.

The auctioneers said the jukeboxes, which will be sold individually with estimates ranging from € 3,000-€5,000, had already attracted “some serious international interest”.

Highlights include a 1940 Seeburg Symphonola 9080 High-Tone Deluxe model, designed to play 78 rpm gramophone records, estimated at €4,000-€4,500.

Online bidding at ashgrovegroup.ie